The first American fighter jet to respond to the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, has been given to the Pacific Coast Air Museum in Santa Rosa, where it will be the centerpiece of the West Coast's first major exhibition about the attacks.

It was one of two F-15 aircraft that responded to the attack on the twin towers in New York, arriving just after the second hijacked airliner hit. The terrorist suicide mission killed more than 3,000 civilians, the worst attack on the United States since Pearl Harbor.

"We are the caretakers of this piece of history," said Jim Cook, vice president and head of acquisitions for the air museum. "We're very honored to host this aircraft and tell its story."

The plan is to develop interactive educational exhibits around the aircraft, including audiovisual displays. Outdoor activities and displays are also planned at the museum, which occupies a large field at the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport.

The idea, Cook said, will be to honor the people who died and educate visitors about the heroic efforts to save their lives and protect the country from further attack.

The F-15 was part of the 101st Fighter Squadron, 102nd Fighter Wing, at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts when it was directed to Manhattan that fateful day to intercept the hijacked airliner.

The jet is expected to arrive in Santa Rosa early next week in four or five pieces. A ceremony is planned commemorating its arrival.